Structure Modifying Apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for activating a chemistry disposed upon a target structure includes a handle having an axis of orientation; a structure contacting element attached to the handle a radiant energy source having an emissive outlet adjacent to the structure contacting element wherein a vector associated with the application of the apparatus to a structure intersects and is normal to the axis of orientation and passes through the structure contacting surface.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to apparatus for modifying a prepared targetstructure via electromagnetic and mechanical interactions. The inventionrelates particularly to the modification via an electromagneticactivation of a chemical modifier applied to a target structure whileconcurrently applying a mechanical force to the structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Chemical compositions adapted to interact with and modify the mechanicalproperties of a target structure comprising fibers and fibrousstructures have been described. Such compositions may be used to alterthe appearance of a fibrous structure and/or change the mechanicalproperties of the fibers and the overall structure. The composition maybe applied to the surface of the fibers/structures and subsequentlyactivated by exposure to electromagnetic radiation of appropriatewavelength and intensity. This exposure activates the composition. Uponactivation, the composition alters the mechanical properties of thefibers and structure via the altered fibers. This alteration may beachieved, at least in part, through covalent binding of an elementwithin the composition to the fibers/structure being modified.

One form of said alteration is the retention of the fibers and structureof the form present at the time of activation. A straight fiber and flatstructure may retain this shape after the exposure to the radiation.What is desired is an apparatus adapted to concurrently impart a desiredmechanical state to a structure and to appropriately irradiate thestructure to activate a composition applied to the structure inanticipation of the use of the apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, an apparatus for activating a chemistry disposed upon atarget structure includes a handle having an axis of orientation; astructure contacting element attached to the handle; a radiant energysource and wherein a vector associated with the application of force viathe handle to the target structure and the structure contacting element,intersects and is normal to the axis of orientation of the handle andpasses through the structure contacting element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The FIGURE provides a schematic perspective illustration of anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following text sets forth a broad description of numerous differentembodiments of the present invention. The description is to be construedas exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment sincedescribing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if notimpossible, and it will be understood that any feature, characteristic,component, composition, ingredient, product, step or methodologydescribed herein can be deleted, combined with or substituted for, inwhole or part, any other feature, characteristic, component,composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein.Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using eithercurrent technology or technology developed after the filing date of thispatent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined inthis patent using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘______’ ishereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intentto limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication,beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not beinterpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in anysection of this patent (other than the language of the claims). No termis intended to be essential to the present invention unless so stated.To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of thispatent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with asingle meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to notconfuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term belimited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally,unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and afunction without the recital of any structure, it is not intended thatthe scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the applicationof 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph.

An apparatus comprises a source of electromagnetic radiation and anelement adapted to interact mechanically with a target structure. Theapparatus further includes a handle to enable the user of the apparatusto grip it and to apply force against the target structure through thestructure contacting surface. The handle may be considered as having anaxis of orientation defined as extending along a line wrapped by thefingers of the user gripping the handle of the apparatus.

The source of electromagnetic radiation may be provided as a resistiveincandescent source, a semi-conductor based light emitting diode (LED)source, a source wherein the emissions originate from heating an elementthrough the combustion of a fuel composition, a LASER source, arc lampor any other electromagnetic sources as are known in the art. In oneaspect the electromagnetic radiation may be of a wavelength generallyconsidered to be within the visible range of the electromagneticspectrum (e.g. between about 400 and about 700 nm). In another aspectthe electromagnetic radiation may be of a wavelength generallyconsidered to be within the ultraviolet range of the electromagneticspectrum (e.g. between about 100 nm and about 400 nm). In another aspectthe electromagnetic radiation may be of a wavelength generallyconsidered to be within the infrared range of the electromagneticspectrum (e.g. between about 700 nm and about 1000 nm).

In a further aspect, the emissive spectrum of the source may be tailoredto include only those wavelengths which most efficiently interact withany of the chemical components of the composition applied to the targetsurface. The source may be provided such that the emissive spectrumbroadly includes such wavelengths or such that the emissive spectrumnarrowly includes such wavelengths or such that the emissive spectrumcomprises a monochromatic radiation output. In one embodiment, thesource may emit a spectrum of wavelengths which effectively interactwith an intermediate composition resulting in the subsequent emission ofradiation by the intermediate composition. This emitted radiationsubsequently interacts with any of the chemical components of thecomposition, such as a photoactive component. Non-limiting examples ofphotoactive components may include photo-acids, photo-bases,photo-active electron-transfer agents, photo-active energy transferagents, and the like.

The radiant energy source may be disposed within the structurecontacting element such that the radiation emitted from the source has adirect transmission path to the structure contacting element.Alternately, the radiant energy source may be disposed adjacent thestructure contacting element such that the radiation emitted from thesource has a direct transmission path to the surface being treated sothat the radiation impinges on the surface, generally, concurrent withthe structure contacting element.

Alternatively, the source may be disposed outside the structurecontacting element and the emitted radiation transmitted via a waveguide, fiber optic conduit or other means to a point of subsequentemission within the structure contacting element.

In one embodiment, the source may comprise an array of illuminationelements such as LEDs disposed in a regular arrangement on the externalsurface of a handle of the apparatus and within a curved outer shellwhich is at least partially transparent to the radiation emitted by theLEDs. The LEDs may be narrow spectrum or broad spectrum in the output.They may be substantially similar in output across the respectiveelements of the array or may comprise a collection of distinctlydifferent output spectra across the array elements. In one embodiment,the LED source has an emission spectrum comprised substantially ofradiation at a wavelength of between about 100 nm and about 400 nm,(UV), In one embodiment, the source may have a spectrum of between about400 nm and about 700 nm, (visible). In one embodiment, the source mayhave a spectrum of between about 700 nm and about 1000 nm, (infrared).

Alternatively, the structure contacting element may comprise theintermediate composition described above. In such an embodiment, theemissions of the source interact with the intermediate compositionleading to a subsequent emission by the composition. At least a portionof the structure contacting element may be transparent to at least aportion of this subsequent transmission spectrum such that the targetstructure will be irradiated by that portion of the spectrum.

The source may be considered as including a power element adapted tosupport the radiative emissions. Exemplary power elements include:portable energy storage elements such as batteries, wired connection toa power grid such as 120 VAC household power via a wall outlet and awired plug, capacitor or other forms of stored energy, solar cell,chemical energy cell, piezo-electric cell, combustion of a flammablefluid such as methane, propane, or butane, or other forms of energytransfer capable of interacting with a radiation source to yieldelectromagnetic radiation.

The apparatus further comprises a switching element adapted to controlthe provision of power to the radiation source. Exemplary switchingelements include: rocker switches, membrane switches, slider switches,rotating switches, and other switching elements as are known in the art.In another embodiment the switching element may include automatedswitching features. In one aspect the automated switching feature maycomprise a time-based switching features that actuates the provision ofpower to the radiation source as a function of duration of exposureand/or that actuates the provision of power to the radiation sourceafter a given length of time and/or that actuates pulses of power to theradiation source including a duration of the power and/or a duration oflapses between instance of provision of power to the radiation source.In another embodiment the automated switching feature may comprise afeedback element that actuates the provision of power to the radiationsource as a function of another stimulus of the apparatus. In one aspectthe feedback element may actuate the provision of power to the radiationsource as a function of pressure applied to the contacting element asindicated by a load cell incorporated within the apparatus, therebyproviding an automatic on/off feature as a function of use of theapparatus. In another aspect the feedback element may actuate theprovision of power to the radiation source as a function of pressureapplied to the handle as indicated by a load cell incorporated withinthe apparatus thereby providing an automatic on/off feature as afunction of the apparatus being held or released by the user.

In another aspect the operation of the apparatus may be triggered by thecontact of the structure contacting element and the target structure.The structure contacting element may be of any shape or form appropriateto the application of the desired mechanical shaping of the targetsurface. In one aspect said mechanical shaping may includeflattening/smoothing/de-wrinkling of said target surface such as thesmoothing/de-wrinkling of a fabric. The structure contacting element mayor may not completely enclose the radiation source. In one aspect thestructure contacting element is a sphere. The structure contactingelement may be fixed with respect to the handle or may be adjustablewith respect to an angular orientation between the handle and thestructure contacting element. In use, a force may be applied to thetarget structure via the apparatus. A user may apply a force by grippingthe handle and pressing against the target structure with the structurecontacting element of the apparatus. In such a use, a vector associatedwith the force being applied would intersect and be normal to the axisof orientation of the handle and would also pass through the structurecontacting element surface.

At least a portion of the structure contacting element may betransparent to at least a portion of the emissive spectrum of thesource. This construction facilitates the exposure of the contactedstructure to the transmitted portion of the spectrum. This exposureenables the apparatus to activate chemicals which have been disposedupon the surface. Exemplary materials for the fabrication of thetransparent portion of the contacting element include glass and polymersselected according to their transmission characteristics with regard tothe desired transmission spectrum. Portions of the emitted spectrum maybe more desirable for transmission to the surface according to theactivation characteristics of the deposited target chemistry.

The outer surface of the structure contacting element should be of asize appropriate to the task. The surface-area of the outer surface ofthe structure contacting element should be large enough to effectivelysmooth or flatten the target structure during use. For example, if thetarget structure were a garment such as a shirt or skirt or dress orpants, the surface-area of the outer surface of the structure contactingelement might be greater than 100 cm2. Alternately, if the targetsurface were a larger structure such as a drapery, tarp, or awning thesurface-area of the outer surface of the structure contacting elementmight be greater than 200 cm2. Alternately, if the target structure werean accessory such as a neck-tie, bow-tie of scarf, the surface-area ofthe outer surface of the structure contacting element might be less than100 cm2 but greater than 10 cm2.

The outer surface of the structure contacting element may comprise asmooth surface or alternatively, a surface having a regular or irregularstructure developed upon it. In use, the target structure may conform tothe shape of the outer surface of the structure contacting element asthe disposed chemical composition is activated thereby imparting theshape of the contacting surface to the target structure via activationof the deposited chemistry.

The outer surface of the structure contacting element may be configuredso as to have a particular coefficient of friction relative to thesurface being treated. In one aspect, the outer surface of the structurecontacting element may have a low coefficient of friction (COF) relativeto the surface being treated to facilitate the gliding of the structurecontacting element over the surface. Without being bound by theory it isbelieved that a low COF may be preferable when smoothing/de-wrinkling asurface. In another aspect, the outer surface of the structurecontacting element may have a high coefficient of friction (COF)relative to the surface being treated to facilitate the gripping of thestructure contacting element to the surface. Without being bound bytheory it is believed that a high COF may be preferable whencurling/forming a surface such as the curling of the hair.

In one aspect the material comprising the structure contact element mayhave the coefficient of friction appropriate to the desired function ofthe apparatus. Exemplary Coefficients of Friction include values greaterthan about 0.1, as well as values less than about 1.5, as determinedaccording to ASTM 3702. In another aspect, the surface of the structurecontact element may be modified so as to have the desired coefficient offriction. In one embodiment, said modification of said structure contactelement may be achieved by surface-coating the structure contact elementwith a lubricant or adhesive.

In another aspect, the desired coefficient of friction between thestructure contact element and the target surface may be furtherinfluenced by the composition. In one embodiment, lubricants may beadded to the chemical composition to reduce the coefficient of frictionbetween the structure contact element and the target surface. In anotherembodiment, materials with adhesive properties may be added to thechemical composition to increase the coefficient of friction between thestructure contact element and the target surface.

The handle may take any form familiar to one of ordinary skill in theart. One such handle-form might include a graspable handle, in which theuse would wrap their fingers at least partially around the handle duringuse. Graspable handles will generally include a void-area between thehandle and the surface contacting element to enable the fingers to wrapat least partially around the handle during use. Another suchhandle-form might include a structure which is gripped by the palmrather than the fingers. A structure which is gripped by the palm mightinclude a rounded top-portion which fits within the palm and can begripped therein by closing the palm rather than by wrapping with thefingers. Another such handle-form might include a means of attaching theapparatus directly to a separate handling element such as a boom or polethat might enable the user to access hard-to-reach places.

The apparatus may further comprise a chemical composition dispensingsystem. In the broadest terms, this system may comprise a compositionreservoir, a dispersion element, and a trigger mechanism enabling theflow of the composition from the reservoir to and out of the dispersionelement. The dispersion element may comprise one or more outletsdisposed such that the composition will be dispersed upon the targetstructure in advance of an exposure of the structure to the emissions ofthe apparatus.

In practice, a user may apply a treatment composition to a structureprior to or concurrent with the application of a force via theapparatus. The dispensing system of the apparatus may be used for thispurpose or a separate dispensing element may be utilized for the purposeof providing the treatment composition. The apparatus may be providedfor use as a kit including the apparatus itself together with one ormore treatment compositions and possibly including a separate treatmentcomposition dispensing/application element.

As illustrated in the FIGURE, an embodiment of the apparatus 1000,comprises a handle 100 coupled to a structure contacting element 200, anarray of radiant energy sources 300 disposed within the structurecontacting element, a switch 400, and a dispensing element 500. An axis600 may be defined by an imaginary line passing through the handle 100.

Treatment Composition

The treatment composition of the present invention comprises an activeagent and a photocatalyst. The treatment composition optionally furthercomprises a carrier. For purposes of the present invention, treatmentcompositions encompass concentrated compositions for subsequent dilutionbefore use, as well as diluted compositions that are ready for use.

Active Agent

The active agent of the present invention may comprise a thiol. Thiolsgenerally include organic species bearing at least one sulfur atom aspart of at least one functional group. Thiols may be mono-thiols bearingone functional group comprising at least one sulfur atom, dithiolsbearing two functional groups comprising at least one sulfur atom, orpolythiols bearing more than two functional groups comprising at leastone sulfur atom. Further, thiols may be primary thiols bearingsulfhydryl-groups, in which the sulfur atom bears one hydrogen atom andone organic moiety (Group 1), thiol-ethers bearing sulfide-groups inwhich the sulfur atom bears two organic moieties (Group 2), disulfidesin which the sulfur atom is bonded to another sulfur atom (Group 3),sulfoxides bearing sunfinyl-groups in which the sulfur atom furtherincludes a double bond to an oxygen atom (Group 4), sulfones bearingsulfonyl-groups in which the sulfur atom further includes two doublebonds to oxygen atoms (Group 5), sulfinic acids bearing sulfino-groupsin which the sulfur atom further includes a double bond to an oxygenatom and a hydroxyl-group (Group 6), sulfonic acids bearing sulfo-groupsin which the sulfur atom further includes two double bonds to oxygenatoms and a hydroxyl-group (Group 7), thiones bearingcarbonothioyl-groups in which the sulfur atom further includes a doublebond to a carbon atom (Group 8) or thials in which the sulfur atomfurther includes a double bond to a carbon atom which further comprisesa hydrogen atom (Group 9), as reflected in the table below:

Group 1 R—SH Group 2 R—S—R Group 3 R—S—S—R Group 4 R—S(═O)—R Group 5

Group 6 R—S(═O)—OH Group 7

Group 8 R—C(═S)—R Group 9 R—C(═S)—H

In the above table, R is independently selected from the groupconsisting of C₁-C₃₂ alkyl, C₁-C₃₂ substituted alkyl, C₅-C₃₂ or C₆-C₃₂aryl, C₅₋₃₂ or C₆-C₃₂ substituted aryl, C₆-C₃₂ alkylaryl, C₆-C₃₂substituted alkylaryl, C₁-C₃₂ hydroxy, C₁-C₃₂ alkoxy, C₁-C₃₂ substitutedalkoxy, C₁-C₃₂ alkylamino, and C₁-C₃₂ substituted alkylamino.

The active agent of the present invention may comprise a high-polarityfunctional group, preferably selected from the group consisting ofhydroxyl groups, carboxylic acid groups, and combinations thereof. It isbelieved that these high polarity functional groups, to the extent thatthey comprise a substantial portion of the active molecule, negativelyimpact the effectiveness of the active material due to the extensivehydrogen-bonding capability of these high-polarity groups. As such, theactive agent of the present invention comprising a high-polarityfunctional group preferably include one or more of the followinglimitations regarding the portion of the active material that maycomprise said high-polarity functional groups.

The active agent of the present invention may comprise a non-acidcarbonyl or an equivalent of non-acid carbonyl. Non-acid carbonylsgenerally include organic species bearing at least one carbonyl group aspart of at a functional group wherein that functional group is not acarboxylic acid. It is believed that higher polarity of carboxylic acidmoieties limits diffusion into the fibrous material especially at pH inwhich the acid is in its conjugate base form and carries a positivecharge. Non-acid carbonyls as described herein are less polar and do notcarry a formal charge at any pH. It is believed that non-acid carbonylspenetrate the fibrous material more readily relative to the non-acidcarbonyls. Non-limiting examples of non-acid carbonyl functional groupsinclude ketones, esters, aldehydes, amides, acyl halides, andcarbonates. Equivalents of non-acid carbonyls include acetals,hemiacetals, ketals, and hemiketals.

The active agent of the present invention mat comprise a sugar. Sugarsare useful because they are naturally-derived, which can be preferred byconsumers versus synthetic compounds. This is not only for perceivedhealth and sensitivity reasons, but also for sustainability andenvironmental reasons—sugars break down naturally and quickly and do notrequire special disposal methods. Furthermore, sugars are also easy tosource and relatively inexpensive.

The active agent of the present invention may comprise a monoamine,diamine, or polyamine Amines generally include an organic speciesbearing at least one nitrogen atom as part of a functional group. Aminesmay be monoamines bearing one functional group comprising at least onenitrogen atom, diamines bearing two functional groups each comprising atleast one nitrogen atom, or polyamines bearing more than two functionalgroups each comprising at least one nitrogen atom.

The active agent herein has a molecular weight of below about 1000g/mol, below about 750 g/mol, below about 500 g/mol, below about 300g/mol, from about 50 g/mol to about 250 g/mol, or from about 80 g/mol toabout 150 g/mol. It is believed that the relatively low molecular weightof the active agent facilitates penetration of the active agent into thefiber structure of the fibrous material, thereby allowing the fibrousmaterial to be shaped by the method of the present invention.

The treatment composition of the present invention preferably comprisesfrom about 0.1% to about 99.99%, from about 0.1% to about 40%, fromabout 0.1% to about 15%, from about 1% to about 10%, or from about 2% toabout 7%, by weight of the treatment composition, of active agent.

Photocatalyst

The photocatalyst may be any photoacid or photobase (or conjugatethereof) having a pKa (or pKb) value that decreases (or increases) uponexposure to electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation maybe of any suitable wavelength to result in the respective decrease orincrease in pKa or pKb, and preferably is in the range of from about 300nm to about 750 nm. For example the electromagnetic radiation may beambient light, sunlight, incandescent light, fluorescent light, LEDlight, laser light, solar light, and the like. The electromagneticradiation may fall within any classification along the electromagneticspectrum, but preferably is visible light. It will be readily apparentto one of ordinary skill in the art that the appropriate wavelength orwavelengths of light will be dependent upon the identities of the one ormore photocatalysts employed.

In addition, the suitable light may be provided from any source capableof illuminating the fibrous material. For example, ambient sunlight,incandescent light, fluorescent light, and the like may provideelectromagnetic radiation of suitable wavelength. Accordingly, theelectromagnetic radiation may be provided by conventional sources suchas lamps and portable or battery-powered lights. In addition, specificdevices may be developed or adapted for use with the compositions andmethod described herein. For example, a hair brush configured toincorporate LEDs that provide light of a suitable wavelength may beused.

In various embodiments, the photocatalyst is a photoacid such as, forexample, a hydroxylated aromatic compound (i.e. a hydroxyl-substitutedaromatic compound), a sulfonated pyrene compound, an onium salt, adiazomethane derivative, a bissulfone derivative, a disulfunoderivative, a nitrobenzyl sulfonate derivate, a sulfonic acid esterderivative, a sulfonic acid ester of an N-hydroxyimide, or combinationsthereof. The photoacid is preferably a hydroxyl-substituted aromaticcompound.

Photoacid catalysts may include, for example, hydroxy-substitutedaromatics such as, for example, 8-hydroxyquinoline, 8-hydroxyquinolinesulfate, 8-quinolinol-1-oxide, 5-hydroxyquinoline, 6-hydroxyquinoline,7-hydroxyquinoline, 5-iodo-7-sulfo-8-hydroxyquinoline,5-fluoro-8-hydroxyquinoline, 5-fluoro-7-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline,5-fluoro-7-bromo-8-hydroxyquinoline, 5-fluoro-7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline,7-fluoro-8-hydroxyquinoline, 5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline,5,7-dichloro-8-hydroxyquinoline, 5-chloro-7-bromo-8-hydroxyquinoline,5-chloro-7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline, 7-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline,5-bromo-8-hydroxyquinoline, 5-bromo-7-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline,5,7-dibromo-8-hydroxyquinoline, 5-bromo-7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline,7-bromo-8-hydroxyquinoline, 5-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline,5-iodo-7-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline, 5,7-diiodo-8-hydroxyquinoline,7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline, 5-sulfonic acid-8-hydroxyquinoline,7-sulfonic acid-8-hydroxyquinoline, 5-sulfonicacid-7-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline, 5-thiocyano-8-hydroxyquinoline,5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline, 5-bromo-8-hydroxyquinoline,5,7-dibromo-8-hydroxyquinoline, 5-iodo-8-hydroxyquinoline,5,7-diiodo-8-hydroxyquinoline, 7-azaindole, 7-cyano-2-naphthol,8-cyano-2-naphthol, 5-cyano-2-naphthol,1-hydroxy-3,6,8-pyrenetrisulfonic acid, Trans-3-hydroxystilbene,2-hydroxymethylphenol, pelargonidin, or mixtures thereof.

Photoacid catalysts may include onium salts such as, for example,bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)iodonium perfluoro-1-butanesulfonate,diphenyliodonium perfluoro-1-butanesulfonate,diphenyliodonium-9,10-dimethoxyanthracene-2-sulfonate, diphenyliodoniumhexafluorophosphate, diphenyliodonium nitrate, diphenyliodoniump-toluenesulfonate, diphenyliodonium triflate,(4-methylphenyl)diphenylsulfonium triflate, (4-methylthiophenyl)methylphenyl sulfonium triflate, 2-naphthyl diphenylsulfonium triflate,(4-phenoxyphenyl)diphenylsulfonium triflate,(4-phenylthiophenyl)diphenylsulfonium triflate, thiobis(triphenylsulfonium hexafluorophosphate), triarylsulfonium hexafluoroantimonate,triarylsulfonium hexafluorophosphate salt, triphenylsulfoniumperfluoro-1-butanesulfonate, triphenylsulfonium triflate,tris(4-tert-butylphenyl)sulfonium perfluoro-1-butanesulfonate,tris(4-tert-butylphenyl)sulfonium triflate,bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)iodonium p-toluenesulfonate,bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)iodonium triflate,(4-bromophenyl)diphenylsulfonium triflate,(tert-butoxycarbonylmethoxynaphthyl)diphenylsulfonium triflate,(tert-butoxycarbonylmethoxyphenyl)diphenylsulfonium triflate,(4-tert-butylphenyl)diphenylsulfonium triflate,(4-chlorophenyl)diphenylsulfonium triflate,(4-fluorophenyl)diphenylsulfonium triflate,[4-[2-hydroxytetradecyl)oxy]phenyl]phenyliodonium hexafluoroantimonate,(4-iodophenyl)diphenyl sulfonium triflate,(4-methoxyphenyl)diphenylsulfonium triflate, diphenyliodohexafluorophosphate, diphenyliodo hexafluoroarsenate, diphenyliodohexafluoroantimonate, diphenyl p-methoxyphenyl triflate, diphenylp-toluenyl triflate, diphenyl p-isobutylphenyl triflate, diphenylp-t-butylphenyl triflate, triphenylsulfonium hexafluorophosphate,triphenylsulfonium hexafluoroarsenate, triphenylsulfoniumhexafluoroantimonate, triphenylsulfonium triflate, dibutylnaphthylsulfonium triflate, diphenyliodonium trifluoromethanesulfonate,(p-tert-butoxyphenyl)phenyliodonium trifluoromethanesulfonate,diphenyliodonium p-toluenesulfonate, (p-tert-butoxyphenyl)phenyliodoniump-toluenesulfonate, triphenylsulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate,(p-tert-butoxyphenyl)diphenylsulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate,bis(p-tert-butoxyphenyl)phenylsulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate,tris(p-tert-butoxyphenyl)-sulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate,triphenylsulfonium p-toluenesulfonate,(p-tert-butoxyphenyl)diphenylsulfonium p-toluenesulfonate,bis(p-tert-butoxyphenyl)phenylsulfonium p-toluenesulfonate,tris(p-tert-butoxyphenyl)sulfonium p-toluenesulfonate,triphenylsulfonium nonafluorobutanesulfonate, triphenylsulfoniumbutanesulfonate, trimethyl-sulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate,trimethylsulfonium p-toluenesulfonate,cyclohexylmethyl(2-oxocyclohexyl)-sulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate,cyclohexylmethyl(2oxocyclohexyl) sulfonium p-toluenesulfonate,dimethylphenyl-sulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate,dimethylphenyl-sulfonium p-toluenesulfonate, dicyclohexylphenylsulfoniumtrifluoromethanesulfonate, dicyclohexylphenylsulfoniump-toluenesulfonate, trinaphthylsulfonium trifluoromethane-sulfonate,cyclohexylmethyl(2-oxocyclohexyl)sulfonium trifluoromethanesulfonate,(2-norbornyl)methyl(2-oxocyclo-hexyl)sulfoniumtrifluoromethanesulfonate,ethylenebis-[methyl(2-oxocyclopentyl)sulfoniumtrifluoromethane-sulfonate],1,2′-naphthylcarbonylmethyltetrahydrothiophenium triflate, or mixturesthereof.

Photoacid catalysts may include diazomethane derivatives such as, forexample, bis(benzenesulfonyl)-diazomethane,bis(p-toluenesulfonyl)diazomethane, bis(xylenesulfonyl)diazomethane,bis(cyclohexylsulfonyl)-diazomethane,bis(cyclopentylsulfonyl)diazomethane, bis(n-butylsulfonyl)diazomethane,bis(isobutyl sulfonyl)-diazomethane, bis(sec-butylsulfonyl)diazomethane, bis(n-propylsulfonyl)diazomethane,bis(isopropylsulfonyl)-diazomethane,bis(tert-butylsulfonyl)diazomethane, bis(n-amylsulfonyl)diazomethane,bis(isoamylsulfonyl)-diazomethane, bis(sec-amylsulfonyl)diazomethane,bis(tert-amylsulfonyl)diazomethane,1-cyclohexylsulfonyl-1-(tert-butylsulfonyl)diazomethane, 1-cyclohexylsulfonyl-1-(tert-amylsulfonyl)diazomethane,1-tert-amylsulfonyl-1-(tert-butylsulfonyl)diazomethane, or mixturesthereof.

Photoacid catalysts may include glyoxime derivatives such as, forexample, bis-o-(p-toluene-sulfonyl)-α-dimethylglyoxime,bis-o-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-α-diphenylglyoxime,bis-o-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-α-dicyclohexyl-glyoxime,bis-o-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-2,3-pentanedione-glyoxime,bis-o-(p-toluenesulfonyl)-2-methyl-3,4-pentane-dioneglyoxime,bis-o-(n-butanesulfonyl)-α-dimethylglyoxime,bis-o-(n-butanesulfonyl)-α-diphenylglyoxime,bis-o-(n-butanesulfonyl)-α-dicyclohexylglyoxime,bis-o-(n-butane-sulfonyl)-2,3-pentanedioneglyoxime,bis-o-(n-butane-sulfonyl)-2-methyl-3,4-pentanedioneglyoxime,bis-o-(methanesulfonyl)-α-dimethylglyoxime,bis-o-(trifluoro-methanesulfonyl)-α-dimethylglyoxime,bis-o-(1,1,1-trifluoroethanesulfonyl)-α-dimethylglyoxime,bis-o-(cert-butanesulfonyl)-α-dimethylglyoxime,bis-o-(perfluorooctanesulfonyl)-α-dimethylglyoxime,bis-o-(cyclohexane-sulfonyl)-α-dimethylglyoxime,bis-o-(benzenesulfonyl)-α-dimethylglyoxime,bis-o-(p-fluorobenzenesulfonyl)-α-dimethylglyoxime,bis-o-(p-tert-butylbenzenesulfonyl)-α-dimethylglyoxime,bis-o-(xylenesulfonyl)-α-dimethyl-glyoxime,bis-o-(camphorsulfonyl)-α-dimethylglyoxime, or mixtures thereof.

Photoacid catalysts may include bissulfone derivatives such as, forexample, bisnaphthylsulfonylmethane, bistrifluoromethylsulfonylmethane,Bismethylsulfonylmethane, bisethylsulfonylmethane,bispropylsulfonylmethane, bisisopropylsulfonylmethane,bis-p-toluenesulfonylmethane, bisbenzenesulfonylmethane,2-cyclohexyl-carbonyl-2-(p-toluenesulfonyl)propane (β-ketosulfonederivative), 2-isopropyl-carbonyl-2-(p-toluenesulfonyl) propane(β-ketosulfone derivative), or mixtures thereof.

Photoacid catalysts may include disulfono derivatives such as, forexample, diphenyl disulfone, dicyclohexyl disulfone, or mixturesthereof.

Photoacid catalysts may include nitrobenzyl sulfonate derivatives suchas, for example, 2,6-dinitrobenzyl p-toluenesulfonate, 2,4-dinitrobenzylp-toluenesulfonate, or mixtures thereof.

Photoacid catalysts may include sulfonic acid ester derivatives such as,for example, 1,2,3-tris(methanesulfonyloxy)benzene,1,2,3-tris(trifluoro-methanesulfonyloxy)benzene,1,2,3-tris(p-toluenesulfonyloxy)benzene, or mixtures thereof.

Photoacid catalysts may include sulfonic acid esters of N-hydroxyimidessuch as, for example, N-hydroxysuccinimide methanesulfonate,N-hydroxysuccinimide trifluoromethanesulfonate, N-hydroxysuccinimideethanesulfonate, N-hydroxysuccinimide 1-propanesulfonate,N-hydroxysuccinimide 2-propanesulfonate, N-hydroxysuccinimide1-pentanesulfonate, N-hydroxysuccinimide 1-octanesulfonate,N-hydroxysuccinimide p-toluenesulfonate, N-hydroxysuccinimidep-methoxybenzenesulfonate, N-hydroxysuccinimide 2-chloroethanesulfonate,N-hydroxysuccinimide benzenesulfonate, N-hydroxysuccinimide2,4,6-trimethyl-benzenesulfonate, N-hydroxysuccinimide1-naphthalenesulfonate, N-hydroxysuccinimide 2-naphthalenesulfonate,N-hydroxy-2-phenylsuccinimide methanesulfonate, N-hydroxymaleimidemethanesulfonate, N-hydroxymaleimide ethane-sulfonate,N-hydroxy-2-phenylmaleimide methanesulfonate, N-hydroxyglutarimidemethanesulfonate, N-hydroxyglutarimide benzenesulfonate,N-hydroxyphthalimide methanesulfonate, N-hydroxyphthalimidebenzenesulfonate, N-hydroxyphthalimide trifluoromethanesulfonate,N-hydroxyphthalimide p-toluenesulfonate, N-hydroxynaphthalimidemethanesulfonate, N-hydroxynaphthalimide benzenesulfonate,N-hydroxy-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboxyimide methanesulfonate,N-hydroxy-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboxyimide trifluoromethanesulfonate,N-hydroxy-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboxyimide p-toluenesulfonate,N-hydroxynaphthalimide triflate,N-hydroxy-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboximide perfluoro-1-butanesulfonate, ormixtures thereof.

Photoacid catalysts may also include fluoresceins and derivativesthereof; preferably halogen substituted fluoresceins; more preferablybromo- and iodo-fluoresceins such as dibromo fluorescein, diodofluorescein, rose bengal, erythrosine, eosin (e.g. Eosin Y);

Hydroxy flavones and derivatives thereof; preferably hydroxyl flavones,dihydroxy flavones, trihydroxy flavones, tetrahydroxy flavones; morepreferably 3-hydroxy flavones, 7-hydroxy flavones, 5,7-hydroxy flavones,4′,5,7-trihydroxy flavone, and quercitin;

Hydroxyl triarylmethanes, preferably FD&C Green 3;

Anthocyanidins and anthocyanins; preferably cyanidin, malvidin,palargonidin and extracts containing anthocyanins such as elderberry,blueberry, cranberry, bilberry, red cabbage, sorghums, blackberry, blackcurrent, cherry red and black raspberry.

In some aspects, the photocatalyst is 8-hydroxyquinoline, which may actas a photoacid catalyst in lower pH solutions or as a photobase catalystin higher pH solutions. In other aspects, the photocatalyst is8-hydroxy-1,3,6-pyrentrisulfonic acid trisodium salt (D&C Green 8).

In some aspects, the photocatalyst is a photobase. Photobase catalystsmay include derivatives of trityl alcohols such as, for example,Malachite green. Photobase catalysts may also include acridinederivatives such as, for example,9-hydroxy-10-methyl-9-phenyl-9,10-dihydroacridine. Photobase catalystsmay also include photoactive carbamate-containing compounds.

The photocatalyst may be present in the compositions and methodsdescribed herein in an amount from about 0.00050% to 30%, from about0.01% to about 15%, from about 0.01% to about 10%, or from about 0.01%to about 5%, by weight of the treatment composition. Generally, there isa preferred concentration of the photocatalyst. The preferredconcentration of photocatalyst depends, in part, on a variety of factorsincluding, for example, the chemical structure of the catalyst, thereaction medium, the reaction type, the type of fibrous material, andwhether the treatment composition is diluted before/during use in themethods of the present invention.

Carrier

The compositions described herein optionally, and preferably, furthercomprise a carrier suitable for carrying, dispersing or dissolving theactive agent, the photocatalyst, and any other components to facilitatemaking the treatment composition and/or application of the treatmentcomposition onto the fibrous material. The carrier may comprise one ormore of a solvent, an emulsifier, a surfactant, or other dispersant. Thecarrier may also be a physiologically-acceptable carrier. The propertiesof a suitable carrier are dependant, at least in part, on the propertiesof the other components of the composition and the substrate to bemodified.

A suitable carrier operates to disperse or dissolve the active material,the photocatalyst, and any other components, and to facilitateapplication of the composition onto the substrate surface. A suitablecarrier facilitates sufficient contact between the active material andthe substrate. In various embodiments, a physiologically-acceptablecarrier may be any carrier, solvent, or solvent-containing compositionthat is suitable for application to physiological tissues such as humanhair and human skin, for example, in the context of personal careproducts. In various embodiments, a physiologically-acceptable carrieris a cosmetically- or dermatologically-acceptable carrier.

A suitable carrier may be a solvent. In personal and household careproduct applications, for example, water is a useful solvent. In variousembodiments, the compositions described herein may include water in anamount from 1% to 98% by weight relative to the total weight of thecomposition. Water is also a physiologically acceptable carrier.Additional solvent or solvent-containing physiologically-acceptablecarriers include, but are not limited to, hydroxyl-containing liquids(e.g., alcohols), silicones, oils, hydrocarbons, glycols, andcombinations thereof. In certain embodiments, for example, where theactive material is at least partially insoluble in water, othersolvents, dispersants, or emulsifiers may be used asphysiologically-acceptable carriers, alone or in combination with eachother and/or with water.

Alcohols, such as ethanol, can be useful carriers, especially forassisting in solubilizing the active agent and/or photocatalyst.

A suitable carrier is therefore generally used to dilute and/or emulsifythe components forming the compositions described herein. A suitablecarrier may dissolve a component (true solution or micellar solution) ora component may be dispersed throughout the carrier (suspension,dispersion or emulsion). The carrier of suspension, dispersion oremulsion may be the continuous phase thereof, in which other componentsof the suspension, dispersion or emulsion are distributed on a molecularlevel or as discrete or agglomerated particles throughout the carrier.The preparation of such emulsions or dispersions of the active in thesecases may be highly important. Small particles contribute to an intimatecontact between the active, the substrate and the photoacid catalyst,increasing the reaction rate.

It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that theappropriate carrier(s) are dependent upon the specific active agent(s),photocatalyst(s), and other optional component(s) used in thecompositions described herein.

Optional Components

The treatment compositions and methods described herein may optionallyinclude a variety of components, which will depend on the nature of thetreatment composition. The treatment composition is preferably aconsumer product composition, more preferably a personal care productcomposition or a household care composition. For example, in variousaspects, the treatment compositions and methods described herein mayinclude surfactants, emulsifiers, oxidants, reductants, pH regulators,emollients, humectants, proteins, peptides, amino acids, additivepolymers, glossers, oils and/or fatty acids, lubricants,sequestrants/chelators, antistatic agents, rheology modifiers, feelagents, fillers, dyes, preservatives, perfumes, other functionalcomponents, or combinations thereof. Particular optional components maybe found in the CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, TenthEdition, 2004; and in McCutcheon, Detergents and Emulsifiers, NorthAmerican Edition (1986). It will be readily apparent to one of ordinaryskill in the art that the particular optional components utilized willbe dependant, at least in part, upon the specific applications for thecompositions and methods.

Non-limiting examples of treatment compositions, in which the activeagent and photocatalyst can be incorporated, include:

liquid laundry detergents, such as those described in detail in US2012/0324653 A1;

granular laundry detergents, such as those described in detail in U.S.Pat. No. 7,605,116;

unit dose laundry detergents, such as those described in detail in WO2013/039964 A1, WO 2006/057905 A1, WO 2006/130647 A1;

liquid fabric softeners, such as those described in detail in U.S. Pat.No. 7,135,451, U.S. Pat. No. 6,369,025 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,492,322;

dryer-added fabric softener sheets, such as those described in detail inU.S. Pat. No. 6,787,510;

fabric treatment sprays, such as those described in detail in U.S. Pat.No. 5,939,060, WO 01/88076, US 2009/0038083 A1, and U.S. Pat. No.6,573,233;

hair shampoos, such as those described in detail in US 2013/0080279 A1;

hair conditioners, such as those described in detail in U.S. Pat. No.8,017,108;

hair styling compositions, such as those described in detail in US2009/0061004 and EP2570192;

cosmetics, including mascara compositions, such as those described indetail in US 2012/0114585.

The treatment compositions of the present invention can be in the formof a liquid composition or a solid composition (preferably awater-soluble solid composition). If in the form of a liquidcomposition, the liquid composition is preferably packaged in an opaquepackage, and/or a package which blocks electromagnetic radiation at awavelength which activates the photocatalyst of the treatmentcomposition (which does not necessarily have to be an opaque package),to prevent the premature photoactivation of the treatment composition.Solid compositions can be preferred as solid compositions tend not toprematurely photoactivate until contacting aqueous solutions. Solidcompositions are also preferably packaged in opaque packages to furtherprevent premature photoactivation. If in the form of a solidcomposition, the solid composition is preferably dissolved in a carrier,such as water, before being applied to the fibrous material.

In at least one aspect, the treatment composition is substantially freeof, or completely free of, formaldehyde, derivatives of formaldehyde,methylene glycol, formalin, and any compound that produces formaldehydeupon heating. “Heating” means raising the temperature of the compoundabove 25° C. In at least one aspect, the treatment composition issubstantially free of, or completely free of, a quaternary ammoniumcompound and/or a surfactant. In at least one aspect, the treatmentcomposition is substantially free of, or completely free of, a ceramidecompound, an alpha-hydroxy acid, a thioglycolate and/or thiolactatecompound, a bisulfate compound, clay, and/or a reducing agent. In atleast one aspect, the treatment composition is substantially free of, orcompletely free of, a carbonate compound.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application and any patent application or patent to which thisapplication claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for activating a compositiondisposed upon a target structure, the apparatus comprising: a handlehaving an axis of orientation, a structure contacting element attachedto the handle, a radiant energy source having an emissive outletadjacent said structure contacting element, wherein a vector associatedwith an application of force via the apparatus is normal to the axis oforientation of the handle and passes though the structure contactingsurface.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the radiantenergy source is fixedly attached to the handle.
 3. The apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the radiant energy source comprises aplurality of emissive sources.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the radiant energy source is at least partially enclosed by thestructure contacting element.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the structure contacting element is transparent to at least aportion of the radiation spectrum emitted by the radiant energy source.6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the structure contactingelement comprises a composition which emits electromagnetic radiationupon exposure to radiation from the radiant energy source.
 7. Theapparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a treatmentcomposition reservoir and a composition dispensing element fluidlyconnected to the reservoir.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 1wherein the coefficient of friction between the structure contactingelement and the target surface is less than 1.5
 9. The apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the coefficient of friction between thestructure contacting element and the target surface is greater than 0.1.10. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the structure contactingelement further comprises a surface coating.
 11. The apparatus accordingto claim 14 wherein said surface coating decreases the coefficient offriction between the structure contacting element and the targetsurface.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said surfacecoating increases the coefficient of friction between the structurecontacting element and the target surface.
 13. The apparatus accordingto claim 1 wherein an emission spectrum of the radiant energy sourceconsists substantially of photons having a wavelength of between about100 nm and about 400 nm.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 1 whereinan emission spectrum of the radiant energy source consists substantiallyof photons having a wavelength of between about 400 nm and about 700 nm.15. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein an emission spectrum ofthe radiant energy source consists substantially of photons having awavelength of between about 700 nm and about 1000 nm.
 16. The apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the surface contacting element comprises astructure contacting surface having an area greater than about 100square centimeters (about 15.5 square inches).